releases?

I am wondering if I got a bad answer the other day. Went into the pro-shop up in Albq. since I am getting a new bow and asked for recommendations on releases. I figured I would start buying goodies since I am close to having all saved up for my new bow, rest, sight, and arrows and want to shoot it as soon as I get it. I also figure it would be easier to set up and tune the bow if I had everything so now I am thinking about going to a different pro-shop. I am a rookie to bow hunting and need all the help I can get. I was told it was all personal preference. They would not tell me any tips to pick one out and I have never shot a release. The most I could get out of them was buy a Scott. So what do you look for when looking at buying a release?

"It is better to rule than serve"

Do they have demo models to shoot - I know my local shop does.

You need to decide what style you like - maybe you already know (like a thumb release, or a t-handle release, or a wrist-strap release)
I went with a Tru-Fire model, and I like it (I resisted using a release for more than 20 years of shooting before giving in)

if your bow shop doesn't have any to try, check out Sportsman's Warehouse (if they're still there in ABQ) or Cabelas or Bass Pro if you can get to one - they should let you try something.

TWELCH:
 
I used to shoot all of my compound bows instinctively with a finger tab up until a few years ago when I completely switched gears and bought a new Hoyt with all of the bells and whistles.  I also started shooting a release. 
 
Now I am not trying to offend anyone here and I am not trying to put down Scott releases in any way shape or form, but I started out shooting my new bow with a Scott release.  I shot with the Scott release for almost two full months and due to severe accuracy problems I thought that buying the new bow and going with sights and a release was a HUGE mistake.  I was somewhat ticked off and even a little depressed with my new bow since I laid down quite a few dollars for the whole set-up. 
 
Then one day I just happened to be reading an article about Randy Ulmer and read that he uses a Carter release, so after searching the Internet I found the Carter web site and ordered a Quickie 2 index finger release.  Here's the good part: after only a week or so of shooting with the new Carter release my accuracy went straight through the roof.  Shooting my new bow was now a dream instead of a very expensive nightmare.  Now, I'm not saying you will enjoy similar results with a Carter release, but I am definitely sold on their product! 
 
Carter releases are somewhat more expensive than others, but I believe they have a high quality release and since the Quickie 2 instantly rectified my accuracy problems, I would say they are well worth the investment.  If you go to the Home Page of our site you will see a banner ad for Carter release on the left hand side (you may have to scroll down a little). Or you can go here: www.carterenterprises.com
 
Take care and Good Hunting!
 
Best Afield,
 
Steve 

I've never shot a Carter, but have heard a lot of good things about them.

TWELCH:
 
I also want to mention that I shoot my Carter Quickie 2 with a string loop.  If you don't have a string loop on your bow you would need to get one installed in order to use the Quickie 2.
 
orduckhunter:
 
Smoothest, most accurate and best made release out there in my honest opinion.
 
Take care and Good Hunting!
 
Best Afield,
 
Steve

I was going to have them set up a string loop when I get the bow. I was at Sportsman's in Albq. but they don't have a range set up so all the releases stay in the package. I was at the local shop here in Los Lunas and that is where I will buy the bow. Talk about taking time and answering questions, they do have an indoor and outdoor range and said the initial tuning is covered in the cost of the purchase. They suggested a wrist strap release and said I can try them when I purchase the bow, even give me local credit so I can take the release and practice at home when I get the bow. Talk about a big difference in customer service. I guess it does pay to shop around. Thanks for the responses.

"It is better to rule than serve"

You're right - it pays to shop around
glad you found some place with better customer service!

I agree with Steve. Also, get one that you are comfortable with and that fits your hand. I use a True-Fire caliper style with a trigger just like on a gun. It also has an adjustment screw that you can set the trigger pull to what you like it to be.  I started out usinf an Excaliper Pro model and have stuck with this style since I started using release and love them.  Bear in mind now, once you go with a trigger release, you need to use it as you would a gun. SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE the trigger and not pull it.  If you get into a bad habit of pulling, you will pull your shots everytime.  Suprise in the shot going off will increase your accuracy by ten-fold as long as you stay on target.

Gary Scheel
NAHC LM,RMEF LM,NRA Member, Lonestar Bowhunter, TexasHogHunter Pro Staff Member

I'm inclined to agree with the others. shop around and shoot as many different releases as you get your hands on. The better ones aren't cheap so it'simportant that you find something you're going to be comfortable with and have confidence in. I shoot a TruBall with a gun type trigger and have quite happy with it. You need to find what works for you. Good luck
Steve Albers
 
 

TWELCH,
Find a release you are comfortable with and works well with your "anchor points". I have a kisser on my string I use as an anchor point.
For a HUNTING release, stay away from velcro at all cost!
My first couple of releases had very nice and seamingly pratical velcro straps. They worked very well on targets. When hunting they were a desaster. When I drew on a number of deer the velcro would snap, pop, and scrach very slightly. Especially when they were used often and aged. Deer would hear that and were gone. This happened 6 times.
I now have a release that has a buckle, no noise. It is a True-Fire.
For hunting, stay away from velcro. Nothing I have for archery has velcro, I even stay away from zippers too. My clothes have string ties, buttons, or magnets in pocket flaps.
SD

Gary Gray, Rapid City,SD hrd.rock.miner@frontier.com, NRA, NAHC LM

I am having a problem with my release. It is a wrist release. And I need to adjust it shorter as it almost feels like it is to long for my draw. I had shoulder surgery 3 months ago and this release pulls wrong on my shoulder. Yet I can pull my hoyt bow back with my fingers just fine. I want to continue to use my release but something is wrong with the way it pulls differently. It should be working right but seems about 1 inch to long. Maybe I need one that is a bit smaller as it is a bit big for my wrist.
 
Angi

Angi:

I just answered your post in another thread about releases.  Here's the link:

Link

Take care and Good Hunting!

Best Afield,

Steve